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Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Jen Paleracio
Moist, spiced cake with creamy frosting. This Pumpkin Cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or a spiced tea.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

CAKE

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Option: chopped pecans, for topping

Instructions
 

PREPARATION

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. In another large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

BAKING

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on the rack.

FROSTING

  • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
  • Once the cake is cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
  • Option: Add chopped pecans on top.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that cream cheese, butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and tender.
  • Test for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Keyword autumn dessert, canned pumpkin, comfort food, cream cheese frosting, easy baking, fall flavors, festive cake, holiday baking, moist cake, pumpkin cake, rich and creamy, seasonal treat, spiced cake, thanksgiving dessert, warm spices